Brentford Preview vs West Brom (A)

I hate to repeat myself, but it seems that it’s all that Brentford are good at lately.

It’s now one win in 13 for Brentford, and one win in six under Thomas Frank with little sign of improvement against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. Once again Brentford conceded two goals in the space of five minutes, they once again threw away a lead and once again showed a lack of confidence and stability at the back.

Brentford sit 18th in the league table with a visit to West Brom on Monday night, and naturally the questions circle about Frank’s future. However, it seems that for now the powers that be are happy to stick with Frank for the time being, though it will be interesting to see what happens after Monday night.

In fairness to Frank, and the players, this is the toughest run of fixtures so far this season with Boro, Sheffield United, West Brom and Swansea all top teams in the Championship but with no sign of improvement, no plan B and a failure to get plan A going it won’t be long before decisions will be made.

So, with no win on the road all season, it’s understanding why fans aren’t feeling optimistic about visiting the league’s top scorers on Monday evening, especially considering Brentford have conceded two goals or more in their last three games.

Furthermore, West Brom have two of the league’s top scorers in their side in Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle (both nine goals) who will no doubt stretch and pressurise Brentford’s shaky defence. It could be a long Monday night for Brentford fans, especially those who make the journey (and me who has to subtitle the match…).

Darren Moore has done a superb job in tempering expectations and building a strong side for the Championship since their relegation last season. The changes he’s made in personnel and tactically has crafted a great chance for promotion. It’s a tale of opposites in the dugouts it seems.

Predicted Brentford XI (4-2-3-1):

Bentley

Dalsgaard – Konsa – Mepham – Barbet

Macleod – McEachran

Canos – Sawyers – Judge

Maupay

Is this the team I would pick? No. Is this the team I expect Frank to field? Yes.

Despite fielding the same (or very similar) side, in the same formation, playing the same way for the past seven games (again, six losses!), it appears Frank doesn’t think he needs to make drastic changes.

The truth is, this side is simply not good enough right now. The side sorely miss Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins and Kamohelo Mokotjo, but with Emiliano Marcondes and Josh Dasilva showing positive signs surely it’s time to start them? We’ll see.

Furthermore, Bees fans are also wondering why the likes of Joe Hardy are yet to be called up from the B team, considering his prolific scoring record and Brentford’s struggle to score goals (from anyone apart from Neal Maupay).

Prediction:

Brentford and Thomas Frank are going to be under a lot of pressure on Monday night. A loss would likely trigger Frank’s exit from the club and if West Brom score early it’s going to be a very long night.

Can we get our first win on the road? … The signs all point to no. Will I still be watching in hope and anticipation? Absolutely.